I obtained my medical degree from the University of Cambridge (Downing College) in England. General surgery training was at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, based in London, and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1987. Vascular and cardiothoracic surgery training followed, under Dr. Michael DeBakey in Houston. I stayed in Houston and developed a practice that focuses on minimally invasive techniques for cardiac and thoracic surgery.  My peers consider me a leader in the field. I have started cardiac surgery programs at four of the satellite hospitals in the Houston Methodist system and I continue to oversee these programs as vice chair for Cardiovascular Surgery in the Houston Methodist System. 

Each spring I host the Re-Evolution Summit. This conference focuses on advanced techniques in minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) that are taught by international faculty – the best in the field. It is widely regarded as a superb conference for learning the principles of MICS, because of the extensive “hands-on” lab component. 

My research interests include various aspects of minimally invasive cardiac surgery, and I am actively engaged in trials of new transcatheter devices for aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves. I have an extensive list of publications in well reputed and extensively read journals. I have been an invited speaker at many conferences in the U.S. and abroad and continue to travel and teach extensively. 

These achievements and others have been made possible by strong interpersonal and leadership skills, and always putting patients’ best interests first.